'It was close!' – David de Gea claims dream Real Madrid move broke down 'for a reason' after being forced to stay at 'my home' of Man Utd

David de Gea, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, has addressed the saga of his failed transfer to Real Madrid back in 2015. While still choosing to keep many of the details under wraps, the Spaniard hinted that he will eventually share the full story, but only after he hangs up his gloves for good.

  • De Gea was supposed to join
  • Transfer fee and personal terms were agreed
  • Fax machine delay broke off deal

'It was close!' - David de Gea claims dream Real Madrid move broke down 'for a reason' after being forced to stay at 'my home' of Man Utd'It was close!' - David de Gea claims dream Real Madrid move broke down 'for a reason' after being forced to stay at 'my home' of Man Utd'It was close!' - David de Gea claims dream Real Madrid move broke down 'for a reason' after being forced to stay at 'my home' of Man Utd

De Gea was on the verge of returning to after a successful stint at Old Trafford, but fate intervened in the form of a failed fax. The deal, which was expected to be finalised in the final hours of the 2015 summer transfer window, ultimately collapsed.

Speaking in an interview with Italian outlet Cronache Di Spogliatoio De Gea said, “I will speak about all of that when my career is over. When things don’t happen, it’s for a reason. It was close but the transfer wasn’t completed… Personally, it went well because Manchester is my home.”

Having arrived at Old Trafford from in 2011, De Gea carved out an exceptional career with the Red Devils. Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, he quickly matured into one of the world’s best goalkeepers. His time at included a title in the 2012–13 season, along with further silverware in the FA Cup (2016), (2017), and two Carabao Cup triumphs (2017 and 2023).

In 2024, De Gea signed with side as a free agent, refusing to join another team in . Since joining the Viola, he has been a reliable presence in goal, registering 11 clean sheets across 42 appearances in all competitions during his debut season. His consistent form has earned him a new contract, which will keep him in Florence until June 2028.